For the first couple of days of our trip we will be based in Kyoto and we will spend 2 days visiting some of Kyoto's sights. The planned routes for our sightseeing are below and even further below is information on some of the places we will visit.
Kyoto was the capital of Japan from 794 to 1868, serving not only as its capital, and thus political centre, but also as its artistic and cultural centre. There are more than 1600 temples and shrines in Kyoto and even though the plan does not include all of these, we should be able to get an appreciation of the history and beauty of Kyoto, a city which is sometimes referred to as a museum in itself.
Day 1 - the planned route
Day 2 - the planned route
Sanjuusangendo Temple features 1,001 statues of Kannon, the Goddess of Mercy.
Kiyomizu Temple is one of the most visited temples in Kyoto and walking around it will give you an indication of why. On the side of one of the hills that surround Kyoto, it has wonderful views of the city, particularly from its 'veranda'. A veranda which gave rise to the expression: kiyomizudera no butai kara tobioriru. An expression used when someone has done something brave or worthy of courage.
Yasaka shrine is one of Kyoto's most important shrines. Shrines are part of the shinto faith and vermillion is the prevalent colour. Yasaka shrine is know for being part of the Gion festival in July but also is famous for the Okera festival when worshippers take home sacred burning ropes as good luck charms for the next 12 months.
A walk through Gion can take you back a couple of hundred years to when the streets were bustling with people frequenting the tea houses, restaurants and theaters of the district. Many of these can still be seen. It is also here that you may see geisha or maiko (artistic performers who entertain party guests with traditional music and dance).
Heian Shrine was built in 1895 in commemoration of the 1,100th anniversay of the founding of Kyoto. Along the road leading to the shrine is a huge 'torii' gate.
The original Kinkakuji (Temple of the Golden pavililion) was destroyed in a fire set by a monk in 1950. Rebuilt in 1955 it is still very much an inspiring place. Coated in gold leaf, it lies on the edge of a large pond. It was originally built in the 14th Century for the shogun Yoshimutsu Ashikaga.
Ryoanji, a great place to reflect and contemplate, is a typical Japanese 'teien' (traditional garden), reflecting its Zen Buddhist influence. A garden of raked sand and 15 stones, it is somewhere to find peace and tranquility.
Kyoto
Kyoto was the capital of Japan from 794 to 1868, serving not only as its capital, and thus political centre, but also as its artistic and cultural centre. There are more than 1600 temples and shrines in Kyoto and even though the plan does not include all of these, we should be able to get an appreciation of the history and beauty of Kyoto, a city which is sometimes referred to as a museum in itself.
Day 1 - the planned route
Day 2 - the planned route
Sanjuusangendo Temple features 1,001 statues of Kannon, the Goddess of Mercy.
Kiyomizu Temple is one of the most visited temples in Kyoto and walking around it will give you an indication of why. On the side of one of the hills that surround Kyoto, it has wonderful views of the city, particularly from its 'veranda'. A veranda which gave rise to the expression: kiyomizudera no butai kara tobioriru. An expression used when someone has done something brave or worthy of courage.
Yasaka shrine is one of Kyoto's most important shrines. Shrines are part of the shinto faith and vermillion is the prevalent colour. Yasaka shrine is know for being part of the Gion festival in July but also is famous for the Okera festival when worshippers take home sacred burning ropes as good luck charms for the next 12 months.
A walk through Gion can take you back a couple of hundred years to when the streets were bustling with people frequenting the tea houses, restaurants and theaters of the district. Many of these can still be seen. It is also here that you may see geisha or maiko (artistic performers who entertain party guests with traditional music and dance).
Heian Shrine was built in 1895 in commemoration of the 1,100th anniversay of the founding of Kyoto. Along the road leading to the shrine is a huge 'torii' gate.
The original Kinkakuji (Temple of the Golden pavililion) was destroyed in a fire set by a monk in 1950. Rebuilt in 1955 it is still very much an inspiring place. Coated in gold leaf, it lies on the edge of a large pond. It was originally built in the 14th Century for the shogun Yoshimutsu Ashikaga.
Ryoanji, a great place to reflect and contemplate, is a typical Japanese 'teien' (traditional garden), reflecting its Zen Buddhist influence. A garden of raked sand and 15 stones, it is somewhere to find peace and tranquility.